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Finished dish of cooked chicken thighs mixed with herbs, served on a colorful plate

Brick Chicken (Pollo al Mattone)

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I’m sharing a recipe I discovered relatively late: brick chicken. Perhaps better known abroad than in Italy, this dish is simple yet intriguing thanks to its unique cooking method. Pressing the chicken with a weight (like a brick) flattens the meat, making it incredibly crispy—especially if it’s skin-on or fatty.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

– 3 Chicken thighs (approx. 250g) Skin-on
– 1 tbsp Olive oil
– Salt
– Black pepper

Three-Herb Sauce:
– ¼ cup Fresh basil leaves
– 2 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
– 2 tbsp Fresh mint leaves
– ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil
– Red chili (optional)
– Pinch of salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken:
    Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Rub them all over with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes while you make the sauce.
  2. Make the Herb Sauce:
    Finely chop the basil, thyme, and mint leaves. Place them on a large serving plate. Add the ⅓ cup of olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and the optional chili. Mix well and spread the mixture evenly over the plate. This is the bed for your chicken.
  3. Cook the Chicken (Skin-Side Down):
    Heat a heavy, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Immediately place a heavy weight (brick, bacon press, or another heavy pan) on top of the chicken. Cook for 5-8 minutes without moving it, until the skin is deep golden brown and very crispy.
  4. Flip and Cook Again:
    Remove the weight, flip the chicken thighs, and place the weight back on top. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the other side is also crispy.
  5. Rest and Serve:
    Transfer the cooked chicken directly onto the prepared herb plate. Turn it to coat all sides in the flavorful oil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the chicken to absorb the herb flavors.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy!
    Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh kick. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Cuisine: Italian